Free Local Workshop · Iowa City
Confidently Buy Your First Home in Iowa City
Join Realtor Mayela Pelayo for a relaxed, zero-pressure workshop where you’ll learn how to budget, get pre-approved, and win offers in the Iowa City market—without feeling overwhelmed.
- Perfect for first-time buyers aged 24–36
- Real numbers and strategies for the Iowa City area
- Get your personal first-home game plan
Next date: Limited seats · RSVP required
Reserve your spot
Enter your details to get the exact date, location, and free first-time buyer checklist by email.
No spam. Just local home-buying insights from Mayela.
Workshop overview
Everything you wish school had taught you about buying a home
If you’re renting in or around Iowa City and wondering whether buying is realistic, this workshop is for you. No sales pitch—just clear answers about money, timing, and the local market so you can decide what’s right for you.
You’ll leave with: a step-by-step roadmap, realistic numbers for your situation, and the confidence to take your next step—whether that’s buying soon or preparing for later.
When
Evening workshop · 60–75 minutes
Next date shared after you RSVP
Where
In-person in the Iowa City / Coralville area. Venue details in your confirmation email.
Cost
Free to attend · Seats are limited, RSVP required
Bonus
Get Mayela’s printable First-Time Buyer Checklist and local lender referral list by email.
Inside the workshop
What you’ll learn in 60 minutes
This session is designed for first-time buyers who want clear, practical guidance—not jargon. We’ll walk through the full journey from renting to owning in the Iowa City area.
1. Money & readiness
- How much you really need for a down payment
- Rent vs. buy math in Iowa City
- Credit score basics and what lenders look for
2. The buying process
- From pre-approval to closing, step by step
- How showings, offers, and negotiations work
- Inspections, appraisals, and closing costs
3. Local strategy
- Neighborhoods popular with first-time buyers
- How to compete without overpaying
- Common mistakes Mayela sees buyers make
Meet your host
Hi, I’m Mayela—your Iowa City first-home guide
I’m a local Realtor based in Iowa City, and first-time buyers are my favorite people to work with. I remember how confusing this process felt the first time I did it—and how much I wished someone would just break it all down in plain language.
In the last few years I’ve helped renters, young professionals, and couples across Johnson County buy their first homes—often with less money down than they expected. This workshop is my way of sharing that knowledge with you, no strings attached.
- Specialized in first-time home buyers in the Iowa City area
- Experience across Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty, and surrounding communities
- Bilingual support available (English & Spanish)
Even if you’re 6–24 months away from buying, you’re welcome. The earlier you understand your options, the better decisions you can make.
You don’t have to figure this out alone
Past attendees say the workshop helped them feel calmer, clearer, and more prepared for conversations with lenders and agents.
“We thought we had to wait five more years. After the workshop, we understood our options and ended up buying our first home in Coralville within 9 months.”
— A. & J., first-time buyers in Coralville
“Mayela answered questions we were embarrassed to ask. We left with a clear plan and a list of next steps instead of random TikTok advice.”
— S., first-time buyer in Iowa City
“I appreciated how local the information was. We talked about actual neighborhoods, price ranges, and what offers are winning right now.”
— M., first-time buyer in North Liberty
Questions people like you often ask
Not sure if this workshop is for you? Start here.
I’m not sure I can afford to buy yet. Should I still come?
Yes. Many attendees are 6–24 months away from buying. We’ll walk through what it actually costs to buy in the Iowa City area, how to prepare financially, and what to do now so you have options later—even if your timeline feels far away.
Will there be a sales pitch or pressure to work with you?
No. The goal of this workshop is education first. I’ll explain how Realtors fit into the process and how I help first-time buyers, but there’s no obligation or pressure to sign anything. If you’d like to work together afterward, we can talk 1:1.
Can I bring a partner or friend?
Absolutely. Home buying is a team decision. You’re welcome to bring a partner, friend, or family member who’s helping you with the process. Just note how many people you’re bringing when you RSVP so we can plan seating.
Will you talk about specific neighborhoods and prices?
Yes. We’ll look at real examples from Iowa City, Coralville, and nearby communities, including typical price ranges for starter homes, common monthly payments, and what buyers are currently winning offers with.
What happens after I submit my info?
You’ll receive an email with the next workshop date, time, and location, plus a reminder as we get closer. You’ll also get my First-Time Buyer Checklist and occasional emails with local market tips. You can unsubscribe any time.
Ready when you are
Save your seat for Mayela’s First-Time Buyer Workshop
Share your info below to get the workshop details and first-time buyer resources by email. If this is the year you stop renting and start owning, this is your first step.
- Free, no-pressure educational workshop
- Local strategies tailored to the Iowa City area
- Checklist and follow-up resources delivered by email
Get the details by email
Complete this quick form and I’ll send you the next workshop date, location, and your First-Time Buyer Checklist.
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